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4. 1960s
5. 1960

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January 1 - December 31, 1960

(Box 5/Folder 6)

 

January 1, 1960

Getting ready to take a trip to Pittsburgh for meeting of Church Commission on Higher Education.

 

January 2, 1960

Drove to Enid and took the plane for Chicago. Am staying with Pattie Donovan and her husband and her handsome little boys. Vera here – heartbroken. Her husband has left her.

 

January 3, 1960

Shirley and Ray Worsley came this afternoon. I think so much of them. Vera came also with two attractive women friends. I showed my European slides. Had supper with Vera and her friends.

 

January 4, 1960

Went down town this P.M. with Vera, she looks terrible – is under a great strain. About five Shirley came for me and Pam at the Worsleys.

 

January 5, 1960

Shirley took me to the plane this morning and I came on to Pittsburgh. Am in the Airport Hotel. Our meeting started at 2 P.M. and closed about 11. I am very tired.

 

January 6, 1960

Our meeting closed at noon but I couldn’t make it home and so stayed over. My dear roommate of 1923-24 at Chicago came with her sister and nephew and spent the evening with me.

 

January 7, 1960

Left Pittsburgh this morning, reached Enid at 5:15. Picked up my car and drove home. Found it had snowed all over state 4 to 8 inches on Jan 5. Soft warm snow, no drifting. Just right for wheat. Clear weather today.

 

January 8, 1960

Lovely bright day. Most of the remaining snow melted. In fact it was all gone when I got home yesterday evening except in the shade and some small patches.

 

January 9, 1960

Got a telegram that I must go to N.Y. to plan program for Assn. on Am. Indian Aff. If it had reached me at Pittsburgh I would have tried to combine the two trips.

 

January 10, 1960

Lovely warm day. I taught my S.S. class and attended church. Spent the afternoon writing letters. Everything is piled up.

 

January 11, 1960

Learned I must be in New York next Sun, and Monday. I drove to Crescent, had lunch with Agnes Oltmanns, and spoke to woman’s club about Okla. Indians. Had brief visit with wonderful old friend Mrs. Williams and Amanda Pollard. Foggy, drizzling warm day.

 

January 12, 1960

Light shower last night – beautiful fresh sunny day. I turned off my furnace – warm and springlike. I drove to Enid in the morning and arranged plane trip. In the P.M. attended Woman’s Club meeting where I had the program.

 

January 13, 1960

Had Hospitality Committee meeting this P.M. Twelve foreign students are invited here for the end of semester. In evening went to lodge – had installation conducted by team from Guthrie. Warm day – no heat needed. This evening it looks like rain.

 

January 14, 1960

Hard shower last night with thunder & lightning. Rained about an inch. I hope it’s not building up to May floods. In the afternoon the wind rose and it suddenly turned colder. Before that it had been like spring.

 

January 15, 1960

Cold this morning. I washed some things and they froze on the line. The sun came out and it got warmer but is still crisp. I had time to clean my house today and it seems so nice. I had not cleaned it since before Xmas and it was awful.

 

January 16, 1960

Beautiful crisp morning – white frost like snow. By noon it was foggy. Left Enid at 12:25, missed connections at K.C. Managed to get plane which reached N.Y. at midnight but they lost my bag on the way. After vain search, I reached hotel at 3 A.M. – very bad night, no sleeping garments, not even a toothbrush.

 

January 17, 1960

I was pretty tired but spent the day in conference with LaVerne Madigan and Mrs. Smith working out a 1960 program for the AAIA. They came to my room because they knew how tired I was. LaV. bought me some warm pajamas and a bathrobe. I shall sleep tonight.

 

January 18, 1960

I had a good night’s sleep but am still tired – also caught cold that night with nothing to wear. Went to AAIA office and we confirmed our conference there with Gordon McGregor. My suitcase reached me at 4 P.M. Hurray!

 

January 19, 1960

Slept well – greatly rested today. Snowing in N.Y. this morning. Boarded plane at 10 A.M. reached Enid shortly after 7. Clear weather from Washington on but ground covered with snow & very cold at St. Louis. Warmer but snow on ground in Okla. I picked up my car and came to visit Esther Porter.

 

January 20, 1960

Bright but cold. Snow didn’t melt at all during the day. I rested with Esther till nearly noon. Then drove home. My house was cold (I had left the furnace low). Also Pearl Burchardt had locked herself out of her house and I spent some time helping her get in. So my cold is worse tonight. Mrs. Albert Schefer called.

 

January 21, 1960

Cold bright day. Most of the snow has gone but there was very little melting. My cold is making me about sick.

 

January 22, 1960

Bright but cold – snow didn’t melt any during the day. I drove home about noon. Found Another cold day. And I am about sick with the cold I took when my bag was lost.

 

January 23, 1960

I felt better today. Also the weather got warmer. I attended a shower at the church for Peggy Ficken. Very nice.

 

January 24, 1960

Nice day. I went to church and taught my S.S. class but I am still about sick with my cold.

 

January 25, 1960

Beautiful bright day. But my cold still bothers me. This evening a cloud is coming up from the west and another storm is threatened.

 

January 26, 1960

Warm day – dark and misty this morning, clear and beautiful in afternoon. The Woman’s Club met with me. It was a good meeting – good program by Bea Hada and Ila Smith.

 

January 27, 1960

Same day as yesterday – warm, dark in morning, sunny in P.M. I am spending much time these days getting things organized for the foreign students who are coming this weekend.

 

January 28, 1960

Dark all day. Colder and clearing this evening. Three young men (Iran and Iraq) are visiting in farm homes today. The girls are coming tomorrow. I feel fine today.

 

January 29, 1960

Nice bright day. I drove to Stillwater and picked up five girls (Nieves and two other Filipinas, one from Iraq, one from Panama). Three stayed with me. The others are in farm homes. Party this evening at the E. and R. Church. All eight young people are fine!

 

January 30, 1960

I took 3 girls and one boy back today. Gerry Schaefer took the others. I had a visit with Chien Min Wu. Now that the immigration service has quit breathing down his neck he is much happier. He needs a job now to qualify for immigrant status. Lovely spring day.

 

January 31, 1960

Warm day but light shower this evening. Wonderful friends. Mabel Bryson invited me (and the Raymond Williams family) to dinner and when I got there it was a birthday party. Then in the evening my S.S. class had a lovely party and it turned out to be for my birthday with a bake shower. I was completely surprised. Taught my S.S. class and attended church.

 

February 1, 1960

Another warm sunny day but getting cloudy this evening. I attended to some neglected writing. I am still thinking of what wonderful people I know to celebrate my birthday. I even had forgotten it.

 

February 2, 1960

Warm but raining a little this evening. I attended a S.S. teachers’ meeting at the church this evening. Very fine. Also I drove out and saw William Enmeier who is laid up with a ruptured spinal disc.

 

February 3, 1960

Another dark sprinkling day. I attended Women’s Guild at the church in the afternoon, lodge in evening.

 

February 4, 1960

It must have rained hard las night judging from the mud and water on the ground this morning Threatened all day – and sprinkled off and on.

 

February 5, 1960

More clouds and sprinkling. We practiced in the afternoon for a lodge initiation. Heavy snow in Panhandle but no prospects here. I cleaned my house.

 

February 6, 1960

Lovely, bright day. I washed this morning.

 

February 7, 1960

Taught my S.S. class & attended church. Raymond’s voice gone from cold so son-in-law named Miller of Frank Ficken preached a fine sermon. In P.M. went to wedding of Peggy Ficken. In evening to an African missionary film at the church. Cloudy this morning bright in P.M. Warm all day.

 

February 8, 1960

Lovely warm bright day. Drove to Enid to see Mrs. Hawkins. She has been ill with flu but is better. Got my window cut down so it will fit over my air conditioner. Geo Thornton took it out & I took it to Enid to have it shaped.

 

February 9, 1960

Sprinkled this morning. Bad dust from south, then cold wind from north. Geo Thornton put in my window but much dust got in. In the morning I helped clean lodge room; in P.M. went to club at Winnie Branen’s; in evening practiced lodge initiation.

 

February 10, 1960

Cloudy but cleared off. Rather crisp. Mr. Gordon Bulger from Dallas immigration office come to talk about Chien-Min Wu. He is fine. I think Chien-Mu will win out. Initiated five into lodge this evening. We really put on the initiation well. Such a satisfied feeling.

 

February 11, 1960

[No entry]

 

February 12, 1960

[No entry]

 

February 13, 1960

[No entry]

 

February 14, 1960

Cold day – threatening rain or snow this P.M. I taught my S.S. class and attended church. In evening intended to go to school of missions at Xn [Christian] church but sat down to read a book and forgot it.

 

February 15, 1960

Woke up to find ground covered with soft snow – even no drifting, about 3 in. deep. I was completely surprised. Not cold and the sun came out in the P.M. and much of it melted.

 

February 16, 1960

More snow melting. Not much happened. I am working on some more letters for Chien-Min Wu.

 

February 17, 1960

No lodge tonight. Everyone (but me) went to School of Instruction at Guthrie.

 

February 18, 1960

Took Mrs. Mary Roberts and drove out to see Elizabeth Brown, who has been ill. In the evening attended school of missions at the Disciples Church.

 

February 19, 1960

Spent the whole day at Stillwater. Saw Kulsum Suleman about speaking at club, Nieves de Leon about her return date, and several in behalf of Chien MinWu.

 

February 20, 1960

[No entry]

 

February 21, 1960

Taught my S.S. class. A student of Eden Seminary named Koch conducted the service. He is fine and we are hoping he will accept a pastorate here. We had a potluck dinner at the church afterwards. In the evening went to Chinese dinner and mission study at Christian church. Mrs. Coulter spoke but not very well.

 

February 22, 1960

[No entry]

 

February 23, 1960

Thin snow on the ground and ice on the pavement and quite cold. I fell and got badly jarred this morning. In afternoon went to guest day tea of Dramatic Art Club. In evening our club met for a coffee at Mr. Stuerke’s and Clarice Bilden showed her European slides.

 

February 24, 1960

Cold day and threatening to be colder. Arline Van Hanen called me long distance and asked me if I could take her 14-yr. old year niece Sandra for a few days till they find a foster home for her. Of course I agreed and she is here. A beautiful girl greatly gifted

 

February 25, 1960

Sandra is in school. I cleaned my house. It was hard for my muscles are still sore from the fall I had Monday. Still very cold. I am going to Stillwater tomorrow to bring Nieves back. She leaves for home Monday. Lively teenagers are running out of my ears with Sandra here.

 

February 26, 1960

Still cold. I went to Stillwater and got Nevis. Took her to a shower of the church for Roger Seefeldt and his bride. Sandra went to teen town and when I started was going after her at 11 P.M. my car wouldn’t start. I had to leave it out.

 

February 27, 1960

Ground covered with snow this morning and it snowed most of the day. Bob and Gerry Schaefer took Nevis back. She cried when she told me goodbye and still harder when they left her. She is a darling. Sandra and I have been holed up all day.

 

February 28, 1960

Bright beautiful day with the snow melting. Surprisingly good crowd at church. I taught my class. Two young men from Eden had charge of the service, very fine sermon. We had planned to attend Motet Choir concert at O.C. but most of us backed out because of icy roads.

 

February 29, 1960

Cold cloudy day, not much melting. I had my car fixed so now I am not afoot. It hadn’t much the matter with it. Cost $3.

 

March 1, 1960

It started snowing again about 4 P.M. Snowing hard. These teenagers should keep me young. Janice Malaska is staying overnight with Sandra.

 

March 2, 1960

It snowed till about noon. We are completely drifted in. There is no school. Janice and Sandra made a cake and called Mary Bostick and Shirla Swain in to celebrate Shirla’s thirteenth birthday.

 

March 3, 1960

Pretty cold. The sun shone but the snow didn’t melt. Still no school. Arline Van Hanen called this evening to say a plan for Sandra in an adop a foster home in O.C. had fallen through. Sandra very unhappy.

 

March 4, 1960

Sun came out this P.M. but still cold. I shoveled my car out so I can use it. Arline and Chas. Van Hanen & Charles’ wife came up from the city and took Sandra. They planned to take her before county judge at Enid and try to get foster home. They did not bring her back though I stayed up and waited till 11:30 P.M. I hope things are working out for them.

 

March 5, 1960

I am getting tired of a black white landscape. It is not the good earth I know The weather is still very cold.

 

March 6, 1960

Dark day but warmer so some snow melted. It is still pretty thick over the whole country. I taught my S.S. class and heard a fine sermon by Raymond. After church we voted unanimously to call Mr. Roch who visited us two weeks ago.

 

March 7, 1960

Dark day but warmer so the snow melted and got soft and sloppy. But the ground is still covered several inches deep and the fields stretch away to the horizon bleak and somehow alien – not hostile but not friendly either. I hate snow except for one day.

 

March 8, 1960

Rained most of the day and snow melted fast but ground still covered. We were to have club guest day this evening and Kulsum Suleman was to speak. The radio said rain would turn to ice & we thought it would be hazardous to take her back to Stillwater, so called it off. We did have the guest day and made up a quick program of our own which wasn’t bad. But it still rained water instead of ice. So we could have brought her.

 

March 9, 1960

Warm, beautiful sunny day – really like March. Most of the snow melted and the ground shows once more. If we had known the icy storm was a false alarm we could have brought Kulsum over yesterday evening. I attended Lenten services at church. We failed to have service last week.

 

March 10, 1960

Gloomy rainy day with the radio predicting snow before evening (but it didn’t snow) Guy Burkart, Raymond & Lois Williams, and Ramona O’Neill came in the evening and I showed them all my Russian pictures. See March 18.

 

March 11, 1960

The threatened snow didn’t come. The sun shone but there was a chilly north wind. The snow is nearly all gone now except where it has been piled up in clearing roads and streets.

 

March 12, 1960

Sally Heydeman came and told me Vern Clem died Thursday. The Clems were to us more like close relatives than friends of our family. We knew Vern since he was a big boy and he was born in 1881. Sally and I drove to Enid to the funeral and to the Marshall cemetery where he was buried. Fairly warm day but we were surprised at how much snow remains in low or weedy places.

 

March 13, 1960

Taught my S.S. class, heard a fine sermon by Raymond. Went home with the Schaefer girls – other guests, Rich & Hulda Weber & Raymond and Lois! In the P.M. the Frank Fickens came. Warm lovely day. I still do not know what plans have been made for Sandra.

 

March 14, 1960

One good day is apparently all we can have. It was cold, dark, and rainy today – not freezing.

 

March 15, 1960

Miserable dark day. Rain and snow fell off and on. In the evening the wind blew up from the south and it got cold.

 

March 16, 1960

[No entry]

 

March 17, 1960

One of our few nice mornings but it clouded up and snow fell in places lightly – none on ground. There are only a few patches left from former snows. I went to Stillwater and had physical check-up from Dr. Freed. Drove to Perkins and called on Mrs. Hubbard.

 

March 18, 1960

I asked some people in to see my Russian pics. Guy Burchardt, Ramona O’Neill, Raymond and Lois Williams, and young Mr. Patton, new math teacher. See March 10 - I don’t know which is right. Perhaps I showed at two different times to the same people.

 

March 19, 1960

[No entry]

 

March 20, 1960

It is finally becoming warmer. Today was lovely. I taught my S.S. class, heard a fine sermon by Raymond and took Pearl Burchardt & Mrs. Hall for a country drive in the P.M. The wheat has come out wonderfully these past few days.

 

March 21, 1960

I made out my income tax.

 

March 22, 1960

Attended club at Ila Smiths. We are having decent weather all the time now. Excellent program on labor movement by Winnie, Lois, and Carol.

 

March 23, 1960

Drove to Enid to see Elsie Clem. Mrs. Frank went along. Poor Elsie is doing the best she can – brave and cheerful. Also I saw Mrs. Hawkins. Found her as well as she ever is – also smiling and cheerful. Went to lodge in evening.

 

March 24, 1960

[No entry]

 

March 25, 1960

[No entry]

 

March 26, 1960

Foggy in foren Dark, almost raining forenoon; lovely bright afternoon. Leona Rudy brought my bookcase I bought last fall – she had removed several coats of old sticky varnish and refinished it. I gave her $20. Total cost $33.50. Showed Russian pics to John O’Neill & Bob Schaefers.

 

March 27, 1960

Day like yesterday. I taught my S.S. class, heard a fine sermon by Raymond. In the P.M. I arranged my books in the new bookcase. It looks like new. She did a superb job. Later the Schaefer girls took me for a long drive. I turned my furnace off this forenoon and it’s still off.

 

March 28, 1960

Warm windy day – really March. We had a meeting at the schoolhouse to make plans to entertain foreign students the Monday after Easter.

 

March 29, 1960

Geo Thornton came and repaired the lattice on my front porch. Warm and windy this forenoon. In the afternoon it rained and turned cold – still windy only cold wind.

 

March 30, 1960

Windy warm day. I used no fire in my furnace this afternoon. I attended lenten service at church this evening. It is a problem during lent whether to miss lodge or miss church.

 

March 31, 1960

Warm windy day. This evening we had a light shower with much wind and thunder. I got into one corner of my flower garden – too wet before and still too wet except for a few spots – and planted gladioli bulbs. Should have been planted earlier.

 

April 1, 1960

I found out yesterday evening’s wind blew down the brick bldg. on Main St. used as the fire house. Fire engine was protected by fallen timbers. Today was cold and windy. Four of us went to the district women’s club workshop in Enid. I went to the courthouse & talked with the probation officer Mrs. Johnson – found Sandra is in Catholic school in Tulsa.

 

April 2, 1960

My daffodils and jonquils are beginning to bloom. Olga Schaefer and I arranged some (mine and the Webers) on the altar. We have had some cattails and silvery foliage ever since Christmas. I took care of the library in the p.m. 

 

April 3, 1960

Beautiful sunny day. I taught my S.S class and heard a fine sermon.

 

April 4, 1960

The junior class changed the date of their play. Thus it came on the day we planned to have foreign students here. The juniors tried to set another date but none was available so we called off our plan.

 

April 5, 1960

[No entry]

 

April 6, 1960

Two empty gasoline tanks fell on town from a jet plane from Vance Airforce base. Fortunately didn’t hit anything but a chicken house. I went to Women’s Guild in P.M. – Lodge in evening. Hot day – 92 degrees in p.m.

 

April 7, 1960

Raymond Winburn and Slim Chapman are painting my house. Slim did so good a job of painting 12 years ago it hasn’t needed it until now. It could rain tonight I hope it doesn’t while the paint is wet.

 

April 8, 1960

More painting. I had planned to attend the Writers’ Club annual guest day at Stillwater this evening and stay overnight with Mable Caldwell but thought I should stay near the painting. It did rain a little last night but did no harm.

 

April 9, 1960

More painting. The sun shone hot and it was still so a few insects stuck themselves on the wet paint but not bad. I am pretty tired this evening – moving things around, washing windows, etc. I cut some forsythia (with permission) from the Windler yard for the altar in the church. Mr. Atterbury and his two fine boys set some clothesline posts for me yesterday evening and this a.m.

 

April 10, 1960

Taught my S.S. class and heard the best Palm Sunday sermon I ever heard. It was a rather dusty day with a high wind but the paint was dry enough to shed it. I moved books back to a cupboard on the porch this p.m. – moved them out yesterday so the men could paint.

 

April 11, 1960

Windy dusty day. The men couldn’t paint. They could have finished the job with good weather. Savoie Lottinville called & told me he was ready to start a new edition of my Choctaw Republic. I have known it a long time but let it slip. Now I got busy and wrote a new preface and mailed it. The AAIA office called – wants me to go to N.Y. May 2. I said I would.

 

April 12, 1960

Club met at Mrs. Baugh’s. I had the program – reported on cultural exchange between our country and others. Played the Tchaikovsky recording Van Cliburn played in Moscow. Still not a good paint day – threatening rain.

 

April 13, 1960

It rained this morning – about ¾ in. Nice. Only not for painting. Two months ago Savoie Lottinville told me he planned to issue a new edition of my Choctaw Republic. Today he called and said he is ready to start and so I got busy and wrote (and mailed) a new preface. Attended the Lenten “quiet hour” service of the women’s guild at church. Very fine.

 

April 14, 1960

The clouds rolled away this forenoon and it turned out a beautiful day. The men painted all afternoon – got the house itself finished but have to paint some trellises and the porch floor.

 

April 15, 1960

The men finished their painting at noon. Cost me $99.00. It looks beautiful. This evening a very bad storm (with at least one funnel) passed to the north of us. We got only the edge but it blew very bad. I went to the cellar instead of the Good Friday service. It only sprinkled.

 

April 16, 1960

I learned the rain and hail was very bad a few miles north. I worked hard putting things back from painting. In the evening we had another violent wind storm with hail and a little hard-driven rain. I had my lawn mowed today for the first time - weeds, not grass. The spring is very late.

 

April 17, 1960

Bright day but cold wind from the north. I taught my S.S. class – then attended church (communion service). Went home for dinner with the Schaefer sisters. Other guests were the Rudys. In the P.M. I took the Schaefers out to my farm. Found wheat late but O.K., gas wells close and another drilling. Redbud beautiful – trees faintly green, green wheat lovely.

 

April 18, 1960

Chien MinWu was visiting the Drapers, so they invited me to spend the day. Lovely visit. In the P.M. we drove to Perry to the pottery plant and to Pawnee to show Chien Min some Indians. Drove down on 18 and into Stillwater from the east. Beautiful day. Redbud glorious. White frost this morning.

 

April 19, 1960

[No entry]

 

April 20, 1960

The mocking bird is here! I attended lodge. Called Burton Halsted this evening. He and Dorine failed to get (until today) a letter mailed a week ago. I wanted to know whether it was O.K. to stop there on my way to New York. It was good to hear his voice.

 

April 21, 1960

Drove to Enid to get a plane ticket to N.Y. Stopped and saw Mrs. Hawkins. She is better than she was the last time I saw her. Warm, dusty day. My lilac is lovely. I am reading Kelly Blue to review for N. Y. Times.

 

April 22, 1960

I am reading Kelly Blue to review for N. Y. Times. We are having unpleasant windy weather most of the time. We had winter in March, now March winds in April.

 

April 23, 1960

[No entry]

 

April 24, 1960

My old fashioned yellow rose started blooming. I taught my S.S class and attended church. After church I went with Raymond and Lois Williams to Stillwater for lunch at the student union and a tour of the library and the campus. Warm windy day. My house is already red instead of white.

 

April 25, 1960

Cleaned my house. Started working writing on my review.

 

April 26, 1960

Geo. Thornton put shingles on the roof of both my houses, flown off March 31. Womans’ Club met with me today. Had nice visit this evening with Frances Ficken who called about some guild work. I am in charge of the May Fellowship meeting and shall not be here.

 

April 27, 1960

Cloudy morning; hard shower this P.M. I went to Stillwater and bought a hat I had to have for trip to N.Y. Cost $7.98. I tried to turn around on a dirt road and Roy Beeby and half a dozen other men got me out with much laughter and good will. We needed the rain. Mailed my review.

 

April 28, 1960

Cool and cloudy. Sprinkled a little. Mean clouds around all evening. Thought to stay up and watch them but I guess I won’t. I am wondering about my plane trip tomorrow. Mrs. Adams called. Such a lovely person.

 

April 29, 1960

It rained last night but quietly I guess. At least I didn’t hear it. But there were tornados all around. I drove to the airport but my plane was late. Reached K.C. at 5. Burton met me in a heavy shower (sun shining in Okla.). Nellie was at the house – Don and Martha and children came over to spend the evening. It is so nice to be here.

 

April 30, 1960

To my surprise I found the ground covered with snow this morning. It soon melted and did no damage. It was reported at 1 ½ in. It got pretty cold this evening. Burton Dorine and I sat around and talked. In the evening Burton brought Nellie over for a quick dinner. When he took her back to her work we drove awhile. Everything is lovely here.

 

May 1, 1960

It turned warmer during the night – so no frost. Lovely day. Nellie here for noon dinner. Then we spent the P.M. at the Hartigs. The Campbells came for a visit this evening.

 

May 2, 1960

Took N.Y. plane at 8:30. Had fine trip. Lovely bright weather all the way and in N.Y. Attended very interesting meeting of Assn. on Am. Ind Aff. in evening.

 

May 3, 1960

Waited in my room all day for a chance to talk with LaVerne Madigan but she was too busy. So they asked me to stay another day. In evening I attended directors’ meeting and a fine dinner for Roger Ernst. Lovely warm day.

 

May 4, 1960

Had my conference with LaVerne today. Will go home (or rather to Tulsa) tomorrow. Had planned to go today. Lovely warm day.

 

May 5, 1960

Left this morning at 10:05 (Eastern Daylight Saving) arrived Tulsa 2:30. Floy Cobb met me at the airport. It was clouding up and got worse – hard rain in the evening, tornado at Sapulpa. Wilburton demolished, many killed. Louise Whitham and Beulah Clinton were here at the time – had hard time getting home thru flooded streets. No tornado here, just flood.

 

May 6, 1960

Visited Floy all day. Bought myself a watch band at Sears ($15, guaranteed a year, very elegant). Took plane at 5:45. Flew low over beautiful green world. Reached Enid at sunset. Drove home. Clearing off in west this evening.

 

May 7, 1960

Because I got home after dark did not see till this morning how gloriously my flowers are blooming. My yellow rose is in full flower – then peonies, late tulips, and my choicest iris. I could hardly work for looking at them. Beautiful bright perfect day. It had rained the night we had the storm at Tulsa.

 

May 8, 1960

Taught my S.S. class and heard a fine sermon. Had dinner with the Schaefer girls (becoming a habit); then we drove up to visit Gladys Stout. She was not at home but we happened to see her at the cemetery on our drive back and visited her there. Beautiful bright day – perfect.

 

May 9, 1960

Lovely bright day with everything green and blooming. The wheat is tall and lovely.

 

May 10, 1960

Another lovely day. Our spring came late but it’s here. I’m making a late entry but I believe this was the day Lillian Proctor called. I cut off some peonies for her to take to Vernor.

 

May 11, 1960

I went to lodge this evening. Small attendance because of style show by the home economic classes at the schoolhouse.

 

May 12, 1960

I drove to O.C. attended a very pleasant dinner at the new Penn Square shopping center given by Theta Sigma Phi – fine speaker Margaret Mayor. They gave awards to ten state women and I was one. Staying with Mrs. Jenks.

 

May 13, 1960

Drove to Norman from O.C. this morning to American Indian Institute at North Campus of O.U. Very fine meeting. Chief Belvin of Choctaws gave the opening address - best speech I ever heard on the Indians’ problems and aspirations.

 

May 14, 1960

Conference closed afternoon meal and I drove home. (No good way of getting thru O.C. from Norman). When I got home my peonies were glorious, and my iris, and my dependable old fashioned yellow roses.

 

May 15, 1960

I was tired today but I taught my S.S class and attended church. Stayed away from the baccalaureate service this evening. It was cloudy today but didn’t rain and we need a shower.

 

May 16, 1960

Our first hot day. I would have turned on the air conditioner only there is a stand in front of it. I am very unhappy over the mess our government has got us in. The loss of our prestige is less serious (because after all we deserve it) than the damage to world peace. I fear the damage is irreparable.

 

May 17, 1960

Attended Woman’s Club meeting at Ila Smith’s. I believe there Heavy shower in evening – warning of a funnel S.W. of Hennessey. I was so tired I went to bed and didn’t even wake up when the rain hit.

 

May 18, 1960

I drove to Bartlesville. Stopped at Tonkawa and talked to Miss Mary McKinlay’s Okla. history class. I am staying at Lee Motel. Hard shower after I arrived.

 

May 19, 1960

Mr. Keeler came for me at 7:30 and took me to his home for breakfast. Then we talked about plans he has for Cherokees. He brought me back at 11 and I packed, got lunch, and came home. Hot mean day. It rained this evening.

 

May 20, 1960

Cold day. I used my furnace nearly all day. My yellow rose is slacking its blooming. My peonies are finished, most of the iris finished. The white clematis is blooming. Beautiful bright perfect day – mocking bird happy and so are the people.

 

May 21, 1960

Another beautiful bright day. I am working on some writing for Assn. on Am. Ind. Aff.

 

May 22, 1960

Annual church picnic - held on Pete Ficken farm. Day was good but a little too warm. Still I enjoyed it.

 

May 23, 1960

Warm day. I even turned on the air conditioner for a little while. A little snake got on my back porch and when I tried to kill him he got away. So still have him.

 

May 24, 1960

Windy day so we had our club picnic in Winnie Branen’s house instead instead of her backyard. Pleasant time. In the evening we had a shower – ¼ inch I should guess.

 

May 25, 1960

I worked all day on a report I am rep analysing [sic] for the AAIA. In the evening went to lodge, where to my great distress I was elected vice grand. We initiated Fay Vorheis. Hot day. My old fashioned yellow rose has virtually finished blooming.

 

May 26, 1960

Not so hot – even cold this morning. The children at the Vacation Bible School (4th & 5th grades) are studying the history of the church. Today was the catacombs and they held a service in a cellar. I conducted the service, trying to reproduce customs of early church.

 

May 27, 1960

Light shower this morning. This evening we are having a hard shower with severe thunder and lightning. (Just now I jumped as it struck close and damaged my “n” in “lightning”) I am still working on the AAIA report.

 

May 28, 1960

The rain last night was 1¼ in. – a nice shower in spite of the thunder. Lovely day today. My old fashioned yellow rose has an occasional bloom but Tuesday was its last day of real beauty. This evening an evil looking cloud appeared in the s.w. I really thought ‘This is it” and went to the cellar but when it came it wasn’t bad.

 

May 29, 1960

The rain last night was about 2 in. And Kingfisher was badly torn up. That was what I saw but it quieted down before it reached us. I taught my S.S. class and attended church. In the evening I went with Ray’s family to Stillwater to see her graduate. Lovely day.

 

May 30, 1960

Lovely bright morning, cloudy later. I went to the cemetery early. Had a hard time getting enough flowers for twelve graves for many have finished blooming. I used all the roses I had, some Japanese iris, and tamarisk.

 

May 31, 1960

Lovely day. It looked like rain this evening but didn’t. I went with the Richard Webers and the Shaefer girls to the baccalaureate service at Phillips U. Raymond Williams getting his B.D. This morning I showed slides of European churches to the primary class at the Vacation Bible School.

 

June 1, 1960

It rained very little last night. Beautiful day. In fact we are having beautiful weather all the time – bright cool dewey mornings, golden middays, and I must admit clouds that scare us but do no harm at night. I got my report finished and mailed, attended women’s guild at church, and went to lodge at night.

 

June 2, 1960

Frances Ficken loaded her class in vacation bible school in her car with me and we drove around to the sites where the various Marshall churches started (most in country schoolhouses) and the first buildings were erected. I took down my curtains for the summer, got out my fans, and turned off the furnace pilot.

 

June 3, 1960

I gave my house a good cleaning, which it needed badly. In the afternoon I had Ruby Hall give me a permanent – also needed badly.

 

June 4, 1960

I picked up odds and ends of writing neglected for a month. Also Mrs. Schrage and I arranged flowers in The Church for the confirmation tomorrow of Annita Ficken, Shirla Swaim, and Janelle Enmeier. Baby’s breath in vases (Mrs. Schrage’s). Madonna lilacs on the altar (mine and the Schaefer girls).

 

June 5, 1960

Lovely day. Just before S.S. Gladys Davis called me from Amarillo and told me she and a friend are coming tomorrow. I am very happy about it. I taught my S.S. class. At the church service the three girls were confirmed and we had a communion service. Cloudy this evening. The lovely tall wheat is really getting yellow.

 

June 6, 1960

It rained about 3 in last night – quietly, I suppose for I was asleep. We didn’t need it though it did no particular harm if it will quit. Cool and pleasant day. Gladys and Thelma Cuntch came about 2 P.M. and I am certainly enjoying them. I put my curtains back up before they came

 

June 7, 1960

Gladys and Thelma left about nine. They are on their way to Ark. We had quite a rain after they left – a lovely rain only we don’t need it. Cool lovely day. The mocking bird sings all the time.

 

June 8, 1960

Today it didn’t rain. Perhaps it will quit by harvest, which is late this year. I went to lodge this evening. Lovely cool day. I have never seen a spring more suited to flowers – also garden, only I haven’t any. Lovely tall wheat almost ripe.

 

June 9, 1960

I went to Enid this P.M. to make plane reservations to Mexico City – also to see Mrs. Hawkins. Mrs. H. much better than I have seen her for a long time. Sally Heydeman went with me. Lovely day – rather warm in P.M. The yellow wheat is beautiful. I took my curtains down again.

 

June 10, 1960

Lovely day (as are all our days). A lovely light shower fell this P.M. – only we don’t want it. The wheat has not been damaged, but we want the ground to dry so combines can get in the fields. It is not ripe enough yet but soon will be.

 

June 11, 1960

A little more rain fell today – really only a sprinkle – but the wheat fields are not drying. Three custom combines (from Missouri of all places!) pulled in and parked on Main Street. I kept the library this afternoon.

 

June 12, 1960

Sprinkled this morning. Then cleared off the rest of the day. I taught my S.S class and attended the preaching service. The Dwight Rusco finally stopped by for a few minutes this evening on way back to Fairview after visiting Dwight’s mother in Perkins.

 

June 13, 1960

The sun shone nearly all day. It clouded up in the afternoon and threatened rain but didn’t. We are still worried about whether it will dry off for harvest. No harm done yet. My old fashioned yellow rose has never stopped putting out an occasional bloom.

 

June 14, 1960

Perfect day. Cool (even cold) dewey morning with all the birds singing. Not a cloud in the sky all day (but it never got hot). After the dew was gone the harvest started. A line of trucks two blocks long lined up on Main Street. We worried too soon.

 

June 15, 1960

Another day of perfect harvest weather (except of course the work would start earlier without the dew). It got hot in the P.M. I went to lodge this evening – wheat trucks still in the street after lodge. Cloud in the west, but I hope it doesn’t mean anything.

 

June 16, 1960

Perfect harvest day, even hot. Grace and Ruth Hammond came to see the wheat and I drove them around this morning. Lovely sight! This evening the Schaefer girls and Hulda Weber took me around to see more wheat. Only bad news – one of the elevators broke down.

 

June 17, 1960

Cold this morning, cool all day. The harvest is progressing fast. I got arranged some wheat heads to take the place of the usual flowers on the altar. Did it today because Gerry Schaefer’s mother did yesterday morning and shall attend the funeral tomorrow.

 

June 18, 1960

I went with Verna Swaim to the funeral of Gerry’s mother in Edmond this afternoon. It got hot today. Harvest still progressing O.K. – a little slow because of late start mornings.

 

June 19, 1960

There was a slight sprinkle early this morning. I doubt that it held back the combining more than dew does. There was a surprisingly good crowd at church – about ⅔ the usual congregation. I taught my S.S and Bill Schaefer’s together.

 

June 20, 1960

Slight shower this morning but I doubt it delayed the combining more than the usual dew. I thought Gerry had been so busy she would find a lot to do at home, and so I baked her a loaf of date bread but when I called her she was not at home.

 

June 21, 1960

I drove to Enid; checked about my plane reservations, bought some blinds for my back porch and saw Ethel Hawkins and Esther Porter. Many combines are at work but about 9/10 of the wheat is harvested. In the evening the Schaefer girls took me for a drive to see the harvest. Hot day.

 

June 22, 1960

Another good harvest day. I was going to drive out to see Gerry, but she was not at home. She is spending much time cooking, etc. for her father.

 

June 23, 1960

I went to Stillwater and got some data about Alice Robertson. I am going to write her biography for Notable American Women. Nice coolish day.

 

June 24, 1960

Light shower on this rain this morning. Cloudy and cool all day. The harvest is almost over. It was a wonderful yield – some as high as 60 bu. I found Gerry at home today and called on her briefly. I took the bread. It keeps indefinitely in the refrigerator.

 

June 25, 1960

I had a migraine attack this morning (a mild one). I hardly know the cause – probably because it was so cold until about noon. I baked a cake to take to the church tomorrow. Raymond Williams and family are leaving for Chicago, where he will work on his Ph.D. at the university.

 

June 26, 1960

I taught my S.S. class (very badly) and heard Raymond’s last sermon here. We are sorry to lose him. In the evening we had a lawn social at the parsonage with ice cream and cake. Cool pleasant day. Harvest practically over.

 

June 27, 1960

Williams family left today I suppose. Hot day – and since it is dry everything wilted badly. I have one lovely gladiola in a vase, which bloomed last week. The ones coming out, which I have been watching eagerly, are wilted almost double. I’m afraid that one I have is the crop.

 

June 28, 1960

Another hot day. I rigged up a canvas shade for one patch of gladioli. Also I carried one budded stalk down cellar to see if it would bloom there. I am writing Alice Robertson biography for Notable American Women.

 

June 29, 1960

Sent off my Alice Robertson biography. Another hot day. But this evening there is a thin cloud in the n.w. Not much prospect of rain but better than no cloud at all. I went to lodge.

 

June 30, 1960

Cooler today.  Hot day. I guess it was June 30 that there was a cloud in the n.w.. I made late entry. There was no prospect of rain but any cloud is better than none.

 

July 1, 1960

Cooler today. Some white clouds in the sky. No prospect of rain.

 

July 2, 1960

Hot day. Terribly dry. Of course not clear down through the subsoil as in the early ‘50’s. Trees O.K. Plowing good for my wheat check – a good one.

 

July 3, 1960

Hot morning. I taught my S.S class and heard a good sermon by our new minister, Mr. Koch, who preached for me Feb. 21. Clouded up this p.m. & got cooler and then came a lovely heavy shower. It really looked like a big thunder cap but there was a lot of rain in it.

 

July 4, 1960

Another hard rain during the night. I judge we got 2 in. in all. Later - it was 4+ in., two Sun. P.M. and a little over 2 during the night And know we needed it. Lovely cool day. The mocking bird is doing his best but then he always did in spite of the hot dry weather. I wrote letters all day about the Kinzua dam.

 

July 5, 1960

Lovely day – cool, sun and clouds, finally clouded over in the afternoon. Primary election day.

 

July 6, 1960

Cool, even cold, cloudy day with sprinkles of rain. I attended guild at the church (my turn to serve) and lodge in the evening. We should have had installation officers but postponed it because of a Lions picnic.

 

July 7, 1960

Cold cloudy day, raining off and on but not much water. I drove to Enid and got my eyes tested. I need new glasses but the doctor found my eyes remarkably good. Olga Schaefer and Sally Heydeman went along. We stopped to see Mrs. Clem.

 

July 8, 1960

Cold day – sun and clouds. In late afternoon we had a lovely shower (such as we did not have in April) and in early evening another. No lightening, no wind, only soft lovely rain pattering down fast.

 

July 9, 1960

No rain today. My gladiolas are coming out lovely. I filled the two vases on the altar of the church with mine and the Webers’ and they are beautiful.

 

July 10, 1960

I taught my S.S. class (fine attendance) and heard a fine sermon by our new minister. No rain today though it was cloudy this forenoon. Warm in the afternoon. I went riding with the Schaefer girls.

 

July 11, 1960

Sun shone all day and it got hot. Even rather hot this evening which seldom happens here. Everything is lovely and green. I believe the mocking bird has quit singing. I hope the biologists never find out that they quit or they will kill a lot of them to discover why.

 

July 12, 1960

July 11 July 11 I spent the day taking notes from two borrowed library books to be used later in Notable American Women. Hot day. It is early for the mocking bird to stop singing (usually about Aug. 1). I wonder if a cat ate him. The town is full of worthless cats.

 

July 13, 1960

July 12 Hot day but clouded up in late P.M. Winnie Branen and Ila Smith spent the afternoon here working on the club yearbook. My gladioli are lovely. The rain came in time to save most of them. I am getting things done for my trip to Mexico.

 

July 14, 1960

July 13 Lovely cool day, rained a little this morning. In the evening lodge officers were installed by Perry. I am vice grand. Gladys’ camera came. She is lending it for Mexican trip.

 

July 14 I went to Enid and got my glasses – also camera films. Went to see Mrs. Hawkins. Lovely cool day, but sunny. I had forgotten how to operate Gladys’ camera and took it along to receive some help.

 

July 15, 1960

July 14 I drove to Enid and got my new glasses. I also got a smoked ham. Total cost $72.52. Then the testing of my eyes cost $10. But I am very happy that my eyes are excellent – 20-20 vision with correction. Hot bright day, found where the lightning struck yesterday. Pearl’s antenna about 20 ft from my house.

 

July 16, 1960

July 15 My new glasses hurt my eyes and I went back to the old ones. I think the letting testing by the doctor was O.K. but I used the typewriter and the distance was not right.

 

July 16 I finished a brief article for the Okla Indian Newsletter. I need not have worried about the mocking bird. He is O.K. Apparently I failed to hear him because I had the air conditioner on and the house shut. It is getting dry.

 

July 17, 1960

Big crowd at church – and a very fine sermon. We are very fortunate in getting young Robert Koch. I had a fine big S.S. class. We had a very hard shower this P.M. and then it turned cool, rained about 1 ½ inches. We needed it. I took pictures of the church with Gladys’ camera.

 

July 18, 1960

It threatened rain but we got only a sprinkle. I am working hard typing the club yearbook. Will get it in good shape to have stencils made and mimeographing done. Lovely cool day. Lovely clean sky.

 

July 19, 1960

Lovely day – bright sun, soft clouds. I am enjoying my gladioli, I am still working on the club year book. Yesterday I made a copy of the program we worked out last week. Today I am trying to get it correctly spaced on the pages of a small booklet.

 

July 20, 1960

Hot day. I am still working on club yearbook. I went to lodge this evening. Virginia Kidd, new noble grand, did a superb job for her first day in office.

 

July 21, 1960

Showers all around but only a sprinkle here. Lovely cool day. I went to Enid and saw the doctor about my glasses. He said to use the old ones for the typewriter. The new ones are O.K. except for that. I have the yearbook all finished except for state and district material that I do not have.

 

July 22, 1960

It rained last night off and on during the day – not much water, but good for grass and flowers, and making the weather cool and lovely. A hard shower went around this evening. I got the material I was waiting for and finished typing the yearbooks.

 

July 23, 1960

I saw Kay and gave her the yearbooks to make stencils. I had intended to drive over to Stillwater to see her but she came home and I saw her at her parents. Nice, cool day. The gladioli are still blooming. We put together mine and Elnora Weber’s and Hulda’s for the vases on the altar. Lovely!

 

July 24, 1960

August and Katherine Burchardt were at church. We had a good crowd and heard a fine sermon. I had a nice big S.S. class. I had dinner with Richard and Hulda Weber. The Kochs were there. They are a fine young couple. Nice cool day – big white clouds.

 

July 25, 1960

Lovely dewey morning but pretty hot the rest of the day. I am making over a lovely robe Floy Cobb gave me. I went to take it to Mexico. It is too big. Floy knew it was but it was the only size they had and she especially wanted it for me. She is so generous. Dwight Rusco and family came by to tell me his mother is not well and is in a rest home.

 

July 26, 1960

Hot day – and sultry. Heavy dew this morning, but my flowers need rain. August and Catherene Burchardt called this evening. It was wonderful to have a visit with them.

 

July 27, 1960

Hot day. I went to lodge and had to act as noble grand. The lodge room was almost unbearably hot. We have dew every morning and with moisture in the air water coolers (like in the lodge room) have no effect.

 

July 28, 1960

Another hot day. It blustered and rained a few drops during the night. I watered the flower garden good hoping nothing will die while I am gone. I packed today. Hope I haven’t forgotten anything. Our fine young minister, Mr. Koch, called.

 

July 29, 1960

Hot day. Richard and Hulda Weber took me to the airport at Enid. I left soon after noon, changed planes in Dallas and reached San Antonio about 7:00. Mary & Dwight Smith met me and took me out to their lovely farm home. I hadn’t see them for 20 years.

 

July 30, 1960

I went to Boerne this morning with the Smiths. In the evening they took me to San Antonio to see the historic San Jose Mission and to the Alamo pageant “A Cloud of Witnesses.” We got back at 11 P.M. Hot day. Stopped to see Mary’s sisters, Mamie, Caroline and Wilma.

 

July 31, 1960

We went to church at Boerne – poor sermon then to a delightful hilltop place on the edge of San Tone where we had a fine leisurely dinner. Caroline’s treat. In the evening Mary and Dwight had a buffet supper on the terrace for some of their neighbors and I showed my Russian pictures. Hot day.

 

August 1, 1960

Dwight and Mary took me for a lovely drive thru the hills this morning. We saw some deer and a dear little spotted fawn. In the evening I showed them some more European pictures. Hot day.

 

August 2, 1960

The Smiths took me thru the Mexican villa La Villita to the Alamo and the fine home for old people. Then Mamie McClain took us with Wilma and Caroline and two friends to a Mexican place for dinner. Back at their house I showed my pictures. Hot day.

 

August 3, 1960

Holiday. The Smiths took me to the plane. We took off O.K. but developed engine trouble (it didn’t really bother our flight) and so we had to wait in Monterrey till another plane was available. Got in to Mexico City about 11 P.M. very tired – also lost my borrowed camera case on the plane.

 

August 4, 1960

Had a wonderful day – had tour of city, University, Chapultepec, etc. Had fine dinner on roof of Majestic Hotel near Cathedral & square. Had interview arranged with Catholic leader at cathedral but my watch ran down and I missed it & walked back to hotel.

 

August 5, 1960

Had very interesting conferences at USIS & Benj. Franklin Library. Had mid-day meal at Union Theol. Seminary and were briefed by pres. & faculty. Delightful weather here.

 

August 6, 1960

Slept badly last night – seemed to have a fever – this morning felt the Curse of Montezuma. But put in a hard day in conference with Mexican leaders at Villa Jones & lovely dance program at night.

 

August 7, 1960

Still that curse. Many of our party have been sick. We attended services at the Union Church and spent the afternoon in the floating gardens at Xochimilco. We came home rather early but I was too ill to use the time.

 

August 8, 1960

I was so ill I stayed at the hotel most of the day. Did take some time in the afternoon to visit museum of anthropology. Then in the evening some of us went to the monthly (I think) meeting of Christian Workers at the Union Theol. sem. and heard a fine lecture on Mexican Indians.

 

August 9, 1960

I was really sick this morning but couldn’t miss bus trip to Guadelupe [sic] shrine, Monastery of Acolman & pyramids. When I came back called the doctor and he prescribed glucose and some medicine. Says I shall be entirely well tomorrow. It took all evening to get the doctor and take the glucose.

 

August 10, 1960

The doctor’s medicine didn’t check the trouble. I stayed in all day – was not able to get in touch with him till evening. Then he changed the medicine. I will set my alarm and take it every 2 hr. all night. Maria Chavez called this evening and we had a nice visit. I had tried to telephone her ever since I arrived but her secretary had made one incorrect digit in her telephone number, and so I always failed.

 

August 11, 1960

I was ill all night. Took the medicine every two hours and it didn’t help. We were to leave early for Guanajuata [sic]. I would have gone back home except I couldn’t bear to think of the necessary travel arrangements so decided to continue with the party. But Mr. & Mrs. Hefty decided to return because he was ill. If I had known I would have remained at the hotel with them. But I took the trip. Everyone was good to me. They made a bed on the back seat the last half of the trip. Nearly all of us have been ill – some more violently than I, but my illness lasted longer. Went to bed immediately soon as we reached the hotel about 6 o’clock.

 

August 12, 1960

I slept all night, woke much better only weak and dizzy. But I improved every minute. By the middle of the A.M. I felt better than I have felt since last Friday. We had a wonderful tour of the city and I enjoyed every minute. In the afternoon we had a delightful drive to Guadalajara.

 

August 13, 1960

It is wonderful to be well again. We visited Congregational churches, health clinic, community centers – had conferences with church leaders. Saw famous Orozco murals at orphanage and a little of the procession of the Virgin of Zapopan. In the evening Mex. church leaders were our guests and spoke to us.

 

August 14, 1960

Attended Union (foreign) church with Eng. service – then went to home of pastor for coffee then went back for Mexican service. Visited an orphanage. In P.M. rested and I did some washing. In evening Senora Ramona spoke to us. Several of our Mexican friends were our guests at dinner.

 

August 15, 1960

Visited a school started by Cong. Church – Baptist hospital. Had very interesting meeting with former mayor of Guadalajara. In P.M. went to shops at Tlaquepaque. Ran wild with so much to bring. Packed for trip tomorrow.

 

August 16, 1960

Had interesting bus trip to Patzcuaro. Took a side trip to rural cultural mission at Cheran – an Indian town of about 6,000. We have very poor hotel accommodations but this is a most interesting place. The hotel is very picturesque but they had failed to make arrangements for our party.

 

August 17, 1960

Wonderful day. Met with assistant director of Crefal. Then took boat trip to an island where the people have been helped to add chicken raising to their fishing. In evening we gathered in Mrs. Appleby’s pleasant room for a marshmallow roast at her fireplace. (She drew one of the better rooms.)

 

August 18, 1960

We drove to Morelia. Visited a very old church music school and the cathedral. Then had a wonderful drive through the scenic Mil Cumbres to Toluca. Toluca is a fascinating place. The hotel again had not made arrangements for us but we were pleasantly housed next door. Good hotel.

 

August 19, 1960

We visited the fascinating marker (Friday being marker day). Then about half a dozen of us (the hardiest) went to a most interesting series of pyramids of Calixtlahuaca. Had a fascinating afternoon drive thru the mountains to Taxco. Taxco is a most interesting place in the mountains.

 

August 20, 1960

We walked thru Taxco. Saw the cathedral, an artist who makes the cute post cards, and climbed to Victoria Hotel to see the city all in tiers below us. Drove to Cuernavaca, saw Cortez palace and Borda Gardens. Came close to Amecarmeca (view of Popo) where we were to spend the night at camp for govt. employees. But some of the party objected to roughing it and so we drove in to Mex. City.

 

August 21, 1960

We had expected to see the volcanoes this morning from Pass of Cortez but spent the day in our hotel. It was a profitable day (though I was disappointed at missing the volcanoes). We had worship service in the morning led by Dave and Fred. Then spent the rest of the day summing up and evaluating what we had learned. Fred left this evening. The rest will soon go our separate ways. It was a fine group of people.

 

August 22, 1960

Left Mexico City at 10:45. Had smooth beautiful ride home. Could look down all the way. Reached Enid about 6:30, Olga and Clara Schaefer met me and took me first to open up my house (hot), then to their home for supper. I am not tired.

 

August 23, 1960

I started to unpack, but learned that Mr. Vculek died at two this morning. We think a great deal of his son, Joe, also we liked Mr. V. also. So Pearl Burchardt collected some money from our block and I took Sallye Heydeman to Enid and we got some flowers and left them in the funeral home at Hennessey where his body is. Hot day and I am tired.

 

August 24, 1960

Rather tired from my drive yesterday, but I finished unpacking and washed some things. It rained off and on till P.M. when we had a very heavy rain. I went to Lodge in the evening. By that time it had cleared off and was nice and cool; but the lodge attendance was small.

 

August 25, 1960

I cleaned my house today – and how it needed it! Also I attended a Club committee meeting at Winnie Branen’s. Hot day. People tell me they had delightful weather most of the time I was gone – plenty of rain and cool.

 

August 26, 1960

We had another rain last night and it was delightfully cool till mid-afternoon. (That is, in the house. It warmed up outside in the sun.) I prepared a talk I am to give at Stillwater Monday. It is for the wives of the men who are at OSU for the American Institute of Biological Science.

 

August 27, 1960

Made a cake to take to the church Sunday evening – family night and a “hounding” for the preacher.

 

August 28, 1960

I taught my S.S. class and heard a fine sermon by our gifted young minister. In the evening we met for cake and ice cream and good conversation.

 

August 29, 1960

Hard rain this morning – nothing violent, just a good rain, only we don’t need it. I drove thru into Stillwater (no rain there) to give my talk at the women’s breakfast. It went off well. In the P.M. I saw the Leakes who were at the Institute. Also stopped to visit Mrs. Garrett. Hot day.

 

August 30, 1960

Drove to Enid this morning to take my typewriter to be cleaned. Also I am hunting a carrying case for Gladys’ camera which I lost at Monterrey or on the plane. I am hunting everywhere for a case to replace it – Mexico City, Stillwater, Enid. Must try ordering one at Marshall. Hot day and I got pretty tired. Saw Mrs. Hawkins.

 

August 31, 1960

I think this was the day nine rolls of my Mexico films came. I sat right down and went thru them. They are good but not uniformly good like those I took in Europe. Mrs. Barr and Jane from Kingfisher called. In the evening I went to lodge. Nice day – coolish. Learned Olive Cook died yesterday.

 

September 1, 1960

I worked on correspondence, and filing things that came while I was gone. I had a headache most of the day. Went to Olive Young’s funeral in the afternoon. She died of cancer – has been ill a year. I am sorry for her husband and sisters.  

 

September 2, 1960

Felt fine.  More correspondence and filing material - especially Indian material. Sept. 1 Went to Olive Cook’s funeral in the afternoon. She died of cancer. She has been slowly dying for a year.  

 

September 3, 1960

Got a letter from Paul (Chien Min) Wu that he needs some help in borrowing money to go East for a job interview – also needs practice in driving a car (9 yrs. since he drove). I told him I would go to Stillwater Tues. P.M. – have company coming in the forenoon.

 

September 4, 1960

Taught my S.S. class and attended church. In the evening I attended Margaret Windler’s wedding. Her husband is Curtis Smith a very likable young man – and a very lucky one. Margaret is fine.

 

September 5, 1960

I did a number of things getting ready for a full day tomorrow. I woke up strangely dizzy but drank coffee and came out of it. My last roll of films came today. Not all are good but some are.

 

September 6, 1960

My company didn’t come this morning. I drove out to Stillwater in early P.M. and saw Paul thru his business at the bank. Then brought him back and Leo Draper took him out driving. He had prepared some elaborate Chinese food for me to take back and so I invited the Drapers to supper to share it. He is staying with me tonight. The Drapers have their house torn up building on an extra room.

 

September 7, 1960

I took Paul out to the Drapers this morning, let him drive my car on the way out. They will take him back to Stillwater this evening. In the P.M. I attended Women’s Guild at the church. Besides the regular meeting there was a baby shower for Joan Koch. In the evening I went to lodge. We practiced for the obligation ceremony next week.

 

September 8, 1960

I was pretty tired today and didn’t get much done.

 

September 9, 1960

It rained all day very softly. I drove to Covington in the morning to get some holes punched in the club year books. In the afternoon I went to the community fair. The bookmobile was here from the state library and was a big attraction in the late P.M. Dorine called from K.C. & said they would drive down to see me. I am very happy about it.

 

September 10, 1960

Dorine and Burton came a little after midnight. We spent the day today talking and looking at my Mex. slides. The weather is cool and lovely. They have a new red Thunderbird and Burton had me drive it. It is like pouring honey on melted butter to hear the motor.

 

September 11, 1960

The Halsteds had so short a stay we didn’t attend S.S. or church. They left at 2:30. The weather is cool and lovely. They will have a nice trip back. In the evening there was a family night supper at the church and then at 8 P.M. the installation of Robert Koch. I didn’t attend the supper (no time to prepare food to take) but attended the service.

 

September 12, 1960

I got ready for the club luncheon and first meeting of the year tomorrow.

 

September 13, 1960

Worked at preparing club luncheon in Ila Smith’s home. Then in the afternoon we had our first program and meeting of the year. Lottie Hollenback and her daughter, Katherine, were there. First time I have seen Katherine since she was a little girl.

 

September 14, 1960

I had planned to go to Stillwater but Benedict Jozhe and Moses Loco, Apaches, came to see me. They are uneasy about a threat to close the Indian hospital at Ft. Sill. They are fine and interesting people. I went to lodge in the evening.

 

September 15, 1960

I went to Stillwater and worked in the library getting material for some biographies I am writing for Notable American Women. The weather has got hot again – cool at night and in the morning.

 

September 16, 1960

I went to O.C. to plan with Mrs. McCain for a TV lesson I am to give next week. Met Dr. Bill Lillard very able man who is in charge of educational program. In the p.m. I worked at the historical society on my biographies – some tricky details. Hot drive home and I am tired.

 

September 17, 1960

Nothing happened that I remember, I am making late entry. Hot day but all our nights and mornings are cool. It’s getting very dry.

 

September 18, 1960

I taught my S.S class and attended church. Paul Wu and a friend came to see me – Paul driving his friend’s car. They came over to see Dale Wilson about buying a car for Paul and also to give Paul driving experience.

 

September 19, 1960

Nothing in particular happened. I worked all day. Norman Deboard put some new shock absorbers on my car and it certainly drives more smoothly. The weakening of the springs had been so gradual I didn’t know how badly I needed new ones.

 

September 20, 1960

Attended a S.S. teachers’ meeting at the church. Don’t remember anything else. Am making late entry.

 

September 21, 1960

Don’t remember anything but attending lodge at night.

 

September 22, 1960

In the evening attended a meeting at the schoolhouse where the public was invited to discuss buying a new fire truck. I found it was a men’s meeting – only two women there – and all very technical about the mechanism (I marvel at the average man’s knowledge of such things.) It lasted from 7:30 to 10:30 and I got very tired being largely ignorant. But it was a good meeting, and my admiration goes to the men.

 

September 23, 1960

Drove to O.C. and gave an Oklahoma history lesson on educational TV. I woke with a headache and felt that I did badly, but Mrs. McCain, who was in charge, was pleased. Probably I am more conscious than anybody else of the of the difference between the times when I do well and the times when I do badly.

 

September 24, 1960

I served as “librarian this In the evening I went to the wedding of Ireta States and Donnie Hall at the church, and the reception, following. It was a lovely wedding and I do sincerely wish them happiness. I love Ireta.

 

September 25, 1960

I taught my S.S. class and attended church. In the afternoon I made a list of my best pictures to send the Mexican seminar group – hoping others will do the same so we can exchange, or rather order extra copies from each other.

 

September 26, 1960

I drove to Enid to talk about my faulty furnace. Also I called on Ralph Cooper who is in the hospital (had pneumonia) and visited with my beloved Esther Porter. Ralph is still quite ill and I didn’t stay long.

 

September 27, 1960

The club met today at Mr. Baugh’s. Winnie was ill and I had to preside – and was also on the program. Frances Ficken was also on the program and she showed a fine picture of library service through a bookmobile.

 

September 28, 1960

Adele Rucker (who used to live here) and her husband called. I spent considerable time with them. In the evening I attended lodge and they also attended as visitors.

 

September 29, 1960

I am working hard on biographies for Notable American Women.

 

September 30, 1960

I mailed a biography of Milly Francis to the editor of Notable American Women.

 

October 1, 1960

I almost finished the biography of Roberta Campbell Lawson but didn’t get it mailed.

 

October 2, 1960

I taught my Sunday School class and attended church. It was world communion Sunday.

 

October 3, 1960

Oct. 4 I rewrote my biography of Mrs. Lawson and mailed it. But I heard some bad news – I must get the club press book off this week. I had intended to wait till I got the biographies finished.

 

October 4, 1960

Oct. 3 I attended a meeting at the library to start a project to encourage reading in the community. Didn’t get my Lawson article finished.

 

October 5, 1960

I spent the day in the Guild retreat at Camp Redlands. It was good for me but I should have stayed at home and worked. I promised to go before I knew how rushed I was going to be.

 

October 6, 1960

I worked as hard as I could all day on the Club press book. I wish I didn’t have to do it. I want to work on my biographies. It is getting terribly dry.

 

October 7, 1960

Finished the Club press book – worked terribly hard and got very tired.

October 8, 1960

Got a day to work on a biography -- Ann Eliza Worcester Robinson. I was to keep library this P.M. but Winnie Branen (bless her!) volunteered to take it.

 

October 9, 1960

Taught my S.S. class but we had no preaching. Our minister is in Enid with his wife. I think she went to the hospital last night. I shall be glad when it is over.

 

October 10, 1960

I worked some more on Ann Eliza W.R. In fact worked very hard. Our worry about Joan’s long-drawn-out confinement ended this evening. A fine boy.

 

October 11, 1960

I stayed away from club so I could write. Finished Ann Eliza Robertson. It rained a little this afternoon.

 

October 12, 1960

It rained last night & people say we got 1 inch in all, but I guess ½ inch. A Mr. Smith came to see why my furnace heats the wall so. I worked on Alice Brown Davis. Had done some work on her a while back.

 

October 13, 1960

I finished and mailed the last of the five biographies I have been writing for Notable American Women. I have worked hard on them. It rained a little last night.

 

October 14, 1960

[No entry]

 

October 15, 1960

[No entry]

 

October 16, 1960

I’m writing a week late but I do remember I went to church & taught my S.S. class. In the afternoon I called on Francis Ficken and Eva Dean Huffer about Guild business. I had a nice visit with Don and Eva Dean. They are so fine. They have recently bought a set of Eny. Brittancia for their children.

 

October 17, 1960

[No entry]

 

October 18, 1960

I am not sure this was the day but it is close to the one. It rained all night and all day – a fine rain that soaked in. It is wonderful for the wheat except that some have not finished planting yet.

 

October 19, 1960

Writing late but I know I went to lodge. I’m not sure what day it was, but after the rain cleared off it turned cold and one morning we had a frost – white but not hard enough to freeze things.

 

October 20, 1960

I went to Enid, saw Mrs. Hawkins and bought a hat ($2.99 and pretty, Hurray!) shoes ($14.00, too much) and a coat, which I like very much but it cost $89. In the evening I heard a returned missionary from the Congo at the Christian Church. He gave a fine analys [sic] of that troubled situation.

 

October 21, 1960

My beloved Kay and William Enmeier have a boy. [Name, Troy Eugene, said announcement card I received later.]

 

October 22, 1960

[No entry]

 

October 23, 1960

Holiday No S.S. classes because it is Mission Festival. Church at regular hour, fellowship dinner at noon, sermon by Dr. Royal Gibson (who was not a good sport on our Mexican seminar) in the afternoon. Alma Friend loaned me her projector and I tried it out this evening on my Mexican pictures

 

October 24, 1960

I worked all day arranging the and labeling the slides I took in Mexico. Finished with 300 pictures – some very good. I used Alma’s viewer projector to test them this evening. But I have been using a hand viewer and that does about as well Hot day.

 

October 25, 1960

It rained but not hard. We had club at Mrs. Sweatke’s Stuerke’s. I showed Mexico pictures.

 

October 26, 1960

Hot day. I went to lodge this evening.

 

October 27, 1960

Joe Misar took out my furnace. I think he discovered what was the matter with it. I have been worried because I discovered last spring it was heating the wall too hot. It was a nice warm day, which is good when a man is working on the furnace.

 

October 28, 1960

Hard rain last night. Winnie Branen, Elizabeth Diedrick, Elnora Cassaday, and I went to Yale for the district women’s club meeting. It was a lovely day – rainy in the morning, clearing in the afternoon just like after a spring shower.

 

October 29, 1960

Rainy day. I discovered this evening the drain to my sink has a leak and my table silencers are terribly mildewed. They were in the cupboard under it. In fact the way I discovered it was the odor from the mildew. I wish I had known it when Joe was here.

 

October 30, 1960

Trick or treat kids. It is colder today and cloudy and rainy. But a good crowd was out to church & S.S. I taught my class as usual. We learned that last night Mike and Karen Cromer and a girl Mike was dating were racing around Guthrie and had an accident. Karen’s life is hanging by a thread, Mike injured and the other girl killed. Poor Cromer kids! Drunken parents and no chance to grow up right.

 

October 31, 1960

Poor little Karen died last night. Only 18 years old and her young life spent in dissipation and now ended. She had the features of her sweet and lovely grandmother, but things went wrong for her. Her parents must be heartbroken for both came from good families. It was cold this morning but I saw no frost. Joe repaired the drain to my sink. Lovely bright day. We tried to have a meeting of the International Hospitality Committee but only three came.

 

November 1, 1960

I hurt my back yesterday lifting a heavy plant and it is quite lame today. I am afraid I shall have trouble with it. A group of guild women spent the day at a workshop at Loyal. Lovely bright day – wheat very green.

 

November 2, 1960

I got a permanent this morning. Karen Cromer was buried today. I did not attend the funeral because I did not know her very well and I knew the little Baptist Church would be too small to hold her close friends.

 

November 3, 1960

Alice Pipla came to help me clean house and wax floors. Since my back is lame she did most of the work.

 

November 4, 1960

Alice had other work to do today, and so did not come. I found plenty to do by myself. My back still hurts, and I didn’t do much to the house.

 

November 5, 1960

Alice worked all forenoon and some time in the afternoon. She got all done but the back porch. My back is much better.

 

November 6, 1960

I taught my S.S. class. Bob preached a very intelligent (and courageous) sermon about the election, pointing out the American ideals of religious freedom. Did not commit himself as to either candidate of course, but urged us to vote for the one we consider the best candidate without religious prejudice.

 

November 7, 1960

I cleaned the back porch. My house is all clean now. In the afternoon I attended a meeting of the International Hospitality Committee to prepare for inviting foreign students Thanksgiving. My back is well.

 

November 8, 1960

Voted this morning. Went to Enid this P.M. to a club meeting with Mrs. Griffin. Listened to the election returns till midnight. The closest popular vote I have ever seen in my lifetime. Warm day but starting to get cold.

 

November 9, 1960

Got up several times during the night to listen to election returns. Kennedy got necessary electoral vote when Minn. went to him at eight. I went out and scraped the Kennedy tag off my car, not wanting to gloat. Nixon more admirable in defeat than ever in victory. Cold day. I attended Guild but stayed away from lodge. Too busy.

 

November 10, 1960

I went to Stillwater and showed my Russian (also Berlin and Poland) pictures to a group of women. Got back at six. At seven attended a guild meeting co executive council meeting at the church, planning program for next year. Getting warm again.

 

November 11, 1960

Nov. 15 – I turned two pages and left these blank. Cloudy this morning but so warm I didn’t use my furnace at all. Had a meeting of the International Hospitality Committee this P.M. Drove to Enid, saw Mrs. Hawkins in the hospital. Took plane at 8:18. Saw northern lights from plane – first time in my life. Gladys Davis met me at airport – so good to see her. Am staying with her.

 

November 12, 1960

Nov. 16 Showed Russian pictures at assembly Palo Duro h.s. Afterwards visited 3 classes and answered questions. I have never heard such intelligent thoughtful questions as those young people asked. I am very happy about it. Spent part of P.M. with Montye Keeter. In the evening Gladys and I visited the Foreman sisters who are not well enough to go out and I showed my Russian pics to them. In the afternoon Montye Keeter took me to see dear Miss Richardson.

 

November 13, 1960

Nov. 11 I worked all day doing odds and ends. Am getting ready to go to Amarillo next week to show Russian pictures. This evening Ruth Bracken of Okmulgee came to spent the night with me. She is a fine person.

 

November 14, 1960

Ruth left this morning. I felt that I knew her well for we have the same interests but I had not met her before. I am reading for review The Lives and Legends of Buffalo Bill by Russell. Nov. 12 – Turned 2 pages

 

November 15, 1960

I taught my S.S class, heard an even better than usual sermon by Rev. Bob. In the evening I showed my Mexican pictures to my S.S. class and we had coffee and pie afterwards. Very warm day. Nov. 13 – turned 2 pages

 

November 16, 1960

I had ever so many details to take care of getting ready to leave for Amarillo tomorrow. Very warm day. I do not use my furnace these days except possibly a short time in the morning. Nov. 14 – turned 2 pages. See Nov. 11.

 

November 17, 1960

I turned 2 pages and skipped Nov. 11-12. I rested today and got my hair washed and set. Should have been in good form this evening for a public showing of my Eastern European pictures but I was so tired. I could scarcely get through – felt I did very badly. Friends from Canyon came up to the program and took me back and I am staying with Luella Reeves.

 

November 18, 1960

Happy late breakfast with Miss Graham (Luella & I). Then a lovely trip to the Canyon. In the afternoon went to see dear little Lucy Jo Loudder and had visit with Ima Barlow in her office. In the evening the people I love best gathered in a room at the college cafeteria for a meal – Ruth Lowes, the Barbers, Mattie Mack, Luella of course, Mrs. Sligar, Hattie Anderson, Miss Cox, Helen White Moore, Polly Brigham, the Finleys

 

November 19, 1960

Luella took me out to see Mrs. Rockwell. Gladys came for me about noon. Gl Katherine Metcalf took me to see Miss Swisher in a rest home. In the evening Katherine, Gladys, and I had a lovely dinner with the Keeters. I showed them my Mexican pics. Gladys took me to a store this P.M. and I bought a screen and arranged to buy Gladys’s projector.

 

November 20, 1960

Went to church with Gladys. At noon she had the Archers and Gladys Sutliff for dinner. In the afternoon I showed them my Mexican pics. After supper Don and Cathy King and their two fine Bo boys came after me. I am staying with them.

 

November 21, 1960

Kathie took me to the airport at 2:50. I went to Enid, picked up my car and reached home at five. Found telegram saying N.Y. Times needs a review I am writing by Nov. 25. Saw Winnie Branen and made a call to Stillwater to get all in shape about visiting foreign students.

 

November 22, 1960

Worked hard on review of The Lives and Legends of Buffalo Bill by Don Russell. The book was sent to me before I left and I was supposed to get the review in Nov. 21. I told them I couldn’t quite make it. I did try to work on it on my trip but was too busy enjoying myself.

 

November 23, 1960

I finished my review and sent it off air mail, special delivery. It should reach the office in N.Y. Nov. 25. We have as foreign students in Marshall today a coull couple from Japan and their 10-year-old son with the Louis Reims, A.A. Noori from Iran with the Don Huffers, two Pakistan girls with the Albert Enmeiers and the Halls. Too tired to attend lodge.

 

 November 24, 1960

I attended a very fine Thanksgiving service at the church this morning. I have seldom been so deeply moved. Then I went home with the Schaefer girls, for a fine turkey dinner. Mrs. Orr and the Richard Webers there also. It was a perfect day. All our foreign guests at church but the girl with the Halls. Got letter from Paul Wu this morning. He is happy with good job in S. Dak. It made the day perfect.

 

November 25, 1960

The Enmeiers, who have had a foreign student in their home over Thanksgiving brought her this morning to stay with me. She is lovely. Mrs. Fatima Ali from Pakistan. I enjoyed her very much. Took her to the top of the elevator and for a drive through the green (with wheat) country. She loves the soil and the level land as much as I do. Very warm day.

 

November 26, 1960

I took the two Pakistani girls back to Stillwater this morning. The other one, whom I picked up at the Halls, is fine too. Mrs I did some shopping in Stillwater. Came back after the OU-OSU football game started in order to miss the traffic. Very warm day. [Later OU won.]

 

November 27, 1960

Taught my S.S. class. Heard a very fine sermon. In the afternoon Alice Potter and I visited Hazel Hearn – who is visiting her mother. We graduated in the same high school class in 1913 though Alice and Hazel are much younger than I. Warm, very windy day. Short hard shower this evening - not much water fell.

 

November 28, 1960

I wrote my Christmas letter and sent it to Stillwater to be printed. I bought 200 letterheads and envelopes when I was in Stillwater Saturday. The wind changed to the north last night and it is clear and cold. Probably will freeze tonight.

 

November 29, 1960

My Xmas letter proof It was rather cold. This evening I went to a S.S. teachers’ meeting at the Zion Church in O.C. Went down with the Brysons, came back with Rev. Bob. I am writing a week late and that’s all I remember.

 

November 30, 1960

My Xmas letter proofs came this morning. I made one correction and returned them. All else I remember was going to lodge in the evening. I was (unhappily) elected as noble grand, which is the regular result of my election as vice grand last June.

 

December 1, 1960

Can’t remember.

 

December 2, 1960

Can’t remember. I think my 200 sheets of Christmas stationary (with my letter printed on it) came. I think I sent out a letter or two from it.

 

December 3, 1960

Nothing much happened that I remember.

 

December 4, 1960

It rained a little last night and there were black clouds most of the day and a hard brief shower in the afternoon – then cleared off warm and beautiful. Gerry Schaefer and I cut some Calif. privet berries and decorated the table at the church for a Men’s Brotherhood meeting. I taught my S.S. class this morning and heard a fine sermon.

 

December 5, 1960

I sent off a M.S I have been reading for the OU press. My report was unfavorable. I am making my appointments to positions in Lodge. Drove out to see Gladys Hedcock Hedgecock to ask her to serve in one position.

 

December 6, 1960

Did more lodge work. Got off quite a number of Christmas letters today. Held a meeting at my house of The International Hospitality Committee to plan on inviting foreign students for Christmas. Good group in attendance.

 

December 7, 1960

Went out to see Della Bennett to take a lodge office. Got quite a number of Xmas letters written. Went to lodge in evening, made my appointments for next term. Cold day. Turned cold during the night.

 

December 8, 1960

Sent more letters but not many. I am reading another MS for the OU press. It is a good one. Another cold day. Ate pancake supper this evening served by Lions – Their project to raise money for eye bank. Pancakes n.g – project O.K

 

December 9, 1960

Cold day. I drove to Enid to see Mrs. Hawkins. Planned also to visit Esther Porter but it started raining and I thought I’d better come home.

 

December 10, 1960

When I woke up this morning I found the ground covered with snow. It wasn’t especially cold and it will be good for the wheat (soft and even, no drifting) but I don’t like snow. It is the wrong color. I like to see the good earth.

 

December 11, 1960

It wasn’t especially cold so I wore my winter suit and no coat to church. But the building was cold (because a draft was closed and Richard Weber didn’t know it) and I got thoroughly chilled. But I warmed up after I got home. I taught my S.S class and heard a very good sermon.

 

December 12, 1960

Cold today. Most of the snow has melted but not all.

 

December 13, 1960

I am taking a cold – probably the belated effect of being so cold at church Sunday. I attended the Club Christmas party at Winnie Branen’s. Nice.

 

December 14, 1960

Went to the Christmas meeting of the church Women’s Guild and to Lodge in the evening. Sent out some Christmas letters. My cold is troublesome but not serious.

 

December 15, 1960

I was really ill today. Didn’t accomplish much.

 

December 16, 1960

I really felt well today – better than I have since picked I up this cold. I sent out a lot of Christmas letters.

 

December 17, 1960

Beautiful weather. But I didn’t feel very well – too much cold – and didn’t get much done. I am mailing Christmas letters.

 

December 18, 1960

Beautiful warm bright day. I attended church (fine sermon) and taught my S.S. class. in the evening the young people came caroling – one of the very nicest things about Christmas.

 

December 19, 1960

Another beautiful warm day. Things are growing in the flower garden. I worked there some this morning. Also sent out Xmas letters. I am reading Shirers [sic] Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, a depressing experience for the Christmas season. But Christmas is not a Pollyanna holiday.

 

December 20, 1960

I heard the north wind howling in the night and today it is cold. My SS class decorated the church for Xmas and had pie, cake, coffee, and conversation afterwards. Good party. They gave me a framed wood cut of Albrecht Dürer’s praying hands.

 

December 21, 1960

Another cold day. I am working hard on my Xmas mailing and enjoying the news from distant friends who write once a year. I went to lodge but nobody came because the Xn church had its Xmas program – also because of the cold.

 

December 22, 1960

Looking above I am deeply thankful that we saved Wu. He sent me a fine Christmas letter and a picture of himself – an up-and-coming young man with a good job and a country to live in. Looking at his pictures I can hardly realize his desperate plight a year ago.

 

December 23, 1960

I have the bulk of my Christmas letters mailed. I cleaned part of my disgracefully dirty house. Last night finished The Third Reich. I am reading a book about Remington to review for the N.Y. Times. His writings in fact – and what bad writing.

 

December 24, 1960

Bright warm beautiful day. I even turned off my furnace. I finished cleaning my house and feel more self respecting. Went to the Xmas program at the church this evening. It was very fine. I am always deeply moved when the children give this program.

 

December 25, 1960

Went to the church Christmas service. It was a very fine service, a communion service. No S.S. Then I went to the home of the Schaefer sisters for dinner and spent the afternoon – the Webers were there & Leona and her husband and son. Very warm day – windy from the south.

 

December 26, 1960

I worked on the Remington book, finished my Christmas letters, and got ready for the company tomorrow.  Fatima Ali and Zohara Imtiaz are coming to visit me. Beautiful warm sunny day. The club will meet with me tomorrow & I am on the program.

 

December 27, 1960

Drove to Stillwater this morning and got my two lovely girls. They helped me so much with dinner and dishes we got everything cleared an hour before the club members came at two. Weather cloudy and threatening snow.

 

December 28, 1960

Miserable misty day – threatened snow or sleet but no moisture fell. I took the girls to Enid for shopping and to visit the home for retarded children. In the evening at bedtime I noticed a thin skin of snow on the ground but it is not very cold.

 

December 29, 1960

I had been apprehensive about taking the girls back and they had to get back today, but the clouds cleared away and the weather was fine. The snow was all melted on the pavement – just a little wet. I worked in the library on Remington.

 

December 30, 1960

I mailed my Remington review today. It had to get there on Jan. 2, so I hadn’t much time to share. Nice bright day. Don Hall brought me a load of shale and spread it on my drive. It cost $7.

 

December 31, 1960

It rained last night but cleared off beautifully – warm and clean like after a spring rain. But it snowed early this morning in O.C. Got a lovely picture of Nieves and her husband – wedding picture.